He completed his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1971, majoring in systematic theology, church history and biblical studies.
After his ordination in 1972, he studied for a Master's degree at the Lutheran Theological Seminary, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, and completed in 1974 with a thesis on "Communion of Saints from the African Perspective."
During his studies in Canada, Noko worked as a university lecturer, as well as a parish pastor at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Saint-Lambert, QC.
[2] In May 1982, Noko was called from the University of Botswana to join the Department for World Service of the Lutheran World Federation (LWF), where he worked for refugee services related to the churches, the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, the Organization of African Unity and other organizations.
Dr Ishmael Noko for his second seven-year term as the LWF General Secretary, during the international meeting held in Geneva, Switzerland, on 1 September 2004.